Image retrieval system

Abstract

An image retrieval system for retrieving a desired micro image from a film in the form of a roll on which partial images obtained by dividing a large image into a plurality of smaller units are recorded in a row in the form of micro images. The system includes a keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged in the form of a matrix in correspondence with the partial images; an image display sheet on which the large image is displayed on a reduced scale and which is placed on the keyboard; a retrieval device for retrieving the micro image of the partial image corresponding to a retrieval code inputted through the keyboard; and a projection device for projecting on an enlarged scale the micro image retrieved by the retrieval device. The operator retrieves a corresponding film image by operating a key of the keyboard while confirming a necessary partial image on the image display sheet, and the retrieved film image can be projected on an enlarged scale.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image retrieval system comprising: a loading section for loading a film in the form of a roll on which partial images obtained by dividing a large image into a plurality of smaller units are recorded in a row in the form of micro images;   a keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged in the form of a matrix;   an image display sheet on which said large image is displayed on a reduced scale and which is placed on said keyboard;   retrieval means for retrieving said micro image of said partial image corresponding to a retrieval code inputted through said keyboard;   projection means for projecting on an enlarged scale said micro image retrieved by said retrieval means; and   copying means for copying said micro image on an enlarged scale.   
     
     
       2. An image retrieval system according to claim 1, further comprising computing means for computing said retrieval code by changing an X-direction retrieval code and a Y-direction retrieval code separately, said X-direction retrieval code and said Y-direction retrieval code being obtained by dividing said retrieval code into two codes of X-Y coordinate axes. 
     
     
       3. An image retrieval system according to claim 2, further comprising recording means for recording said partial images on said film in the form of a roll. 
     
     
       4. An image retrieval system according to claim 3, further comprising retrieval code attaching means for attaching a corresponding one of said retrieval codes to said partial image. 
     
     
       5. An image retrieval system according to claim 4, wherein said computing means has an arrangement for computing said retrieval code of said partial image adjacent to said partial image projected on an enlarged scale by said projection means. 
     
     
       6. An image retrieval system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying said large image. 
     
     
       7. An image retrieval system according to claim 6, wherein said display means comprises a display panel on which said large image is recorded and designation means for designating a position on said display panel corresponding to said partial image selected on said image display sheet. 
     
     
       8. An image retrieval system according to claim 7, wherein said designation means comprises a defining member for defining a portion of said large image displayed on said display panel, said portion corresponding to said partial image; and a lamp for effecting designation by applying light to said portion of said large image defined by said defining member. 
     
     
       9. An image retrieval system according to claim 8, wherein said display panel is formed of a transparent material, and said defining member is formed of a light-shielding material, said defining member and said lamp being disposed on the rear side of said display panel. 
     
     
       10. An image retrieval system comprising: recording means for allowing partial images obtained by dividing a large image into a plurality of smaller units in the form of a matrix to be recorded in a row on a microfilm in the form of micro images;   a keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged in the form of a matrix in correspondence with said partial images;   an image display sheet on which said large image is displayed on a reduced scale and which is placed on said keyboard;   retrieval means for retrieving said micro image of said partial image corresponding to a retrieval code inputted through said keyboard;   projection means for projecting on an enlarged scale said micro image retrieved by said retrieval means; and   copying means for copying said micro image on an enlarged scale.   
     
     
       11. An image retrieval system according to claim 10, further comprising retrieval code attaching means for attaching said retrieval code to said partial image. 
     
     
       12. An image retrieval system according to claim 11, further comprising computing means for computing said retrieval code of said partial image of said large image adjacent to said partial image projected on an enlarged scale by said projection means. 
     
     
       13. An image retrieval system according to claim 12, wherein said computing means is arranged in such a manner as to compute said retrieval code by changing an X-direction retrieval code and a Y-direction retrieval code separately, said X-direction retrieval code and said Y-direction retrieval code being obtained by dividing said retrieval code into two codes of X-Y coordinate axes. 
     
     
       14. An image retrieval system according to claim 13, further comprising display means for displaying said large image. 
     
     
       15. An image retrieval system according to claim 14, wherein said display means comprises a display panel on which said large image is recorded and designation means for designating a position on said display panel corresponding to said partial image selected on said image display sheet. 
     
     
       16. An image retrieval system according to claim 15, wherein said designation means comprises a defining member for defining a portion of said large image displayed on said display panel, said portion corresponding to said partial image; and a lamp for effecting designation by applying light to said portion of said large image defined by said defining member. 
     
     
       17. An image retrieval system according to claim 16, wherein said defining member is constituted by a shielding plate in the form of a grid corresponding to said partial images, and said display panel is formed of a transparent material, said shielding plate and said lamp being disposed on the rear side of said display panel.